Suicide trends in Denmark-An ecological study exploring suicide methods from 1995 to 2019.

Suicide is a major public health problem and complex phenomenon, affecting many people around the world. However, the incidence of suicide varies by sex and age, which includes differences in the means used. Therefore, to implement effective preventative interventions, it is important to study these differences to design effective, preventative interventions. This study investigates the trends in suicide rates in Denmark from 1995 to 2019 by analysing changes based on sex, age, and the means used for suicide. Data on all suicide deaths in the study period were extracted from the Danish Register of Causes of Death, and data on the background population were obtained from Statistics Denmark. We used negative binomial regression models to analyse the data, and the obtained estimates as a logarithm of the rate ratios allowed us to compare the results across groups and years. An overall decline in Danish suicide rates was observed during the study period, with the exception of young females aged 15-29 years. The demographic composition did not change significantly, and suicide rates are still highest for males and the elderly aged 60+. Hanging, self-poisoning and firearms remain the most prevalent means of suicide. Suicide prevention initiatives are required, especially interventions targeting males and the elderly. Restricting access to the means of suicide for these groups with high fatality rates may help reduce the overall suicide rate. Moreover, more research is needed to understand the factors that lead to suicide and affect the choice of means, which should also include studying the effects of different suicide prevention strategies on males and females from different age groups.

Nafamostat mesylate prevents metastasis and dissemination of neuroblastoma through vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition.

Neuroblastoma is a highly malignant disease with a poor prognosis and few treatment options. Despite conventional chemotherapy for neuroblastoma, resistance, invasiveness, and metastatic mobility limit the treatment efficacy. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new strategies for treating neuroblastoma. The present study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of nafamostat mesylate, a previously known serine protease inhibitor, on neuroblastoma cells. Effects of nafamostat mesylate on neuroblastoma cell migration and proliferation were analyzed by wound healing assay and WST-8 assay, respectively. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of nafamostat mesylate on neuroblastoma, the expression levels of NF-κB were measured via western blotting, and the production of the cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the cell culture supernatants was determined via ELISA. In addition, a mouse model of hematogenous metastasis was used to investigate the effects of nafamostat mesylate on neuroblastoma. It was determined that nafamostat mesylate significantly inhibited migration and invasion of Neuro-2a cells, but it had no effect on cell proliferation at 24 h after treatment. Exposure of Neuro-2a cells to nafamostat mesylate resulted in decreased vascular endothelial growth factor production, which could be a pivotal mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of neuroblastoma metastasis. The results of the present study suggest that nafamostat mesylate may be an effective treatment against neuroblastoma invasion and metastasis.